International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Cleanliness in Islamic Perspective: A Response to covid19 Pandemic
Dr. Tijani Ahmad Ashimi
Assistant Professor, Department of Fundamental and Inter- Disciplinary Studies Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Abstract: Qur’an is the seal of revelations of Allah, it has revealed on prophet Muhammed peace be upon him in the period of twenty three years, as such, it contains and deals with all aspects of human life from cradle to death. Though, the Qur’an is neither a book of medicine nor a book of healthcare, but in it there are hints which lead to guidelines in health and diseases. Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has been sent as an example to mankind so his traditions in matters of health and personal hygiene are also a guide for his followers. Being healthy is vital in that, it enables us to undergo our daily life with ease and also to carry out our responsibility as a vicegerent (khalifah) of Allah. Surely, a happy and healthy Muslim can do a much better job compared to that done by a sickly one. Hence, being healthy is not only beneficial to our own selves but also to others as well. Likewise, COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It emerged in early 2019, and continue to threat human life altogether. Based on the above fact, this article by adopting Quranic approach aims to explore the importance of cleanliness and good hygiene in Islamic worldview as a remedy for current deadly disease of covid19 pandemic. As a matter of fact, the covid19 Pandemic continues to jeopardize people’s life nowadays, and in response to this fact various medical solutions have emerged to serve as remedy to this dangerous ailment. Interestingly, one of the remedy of covid 19 that suggested by many doctors and by WHO is physical cleanliness which is an essential part of Islamic value, and indeed the meaning and spirit behind the concept of cleanliness in Islamic perspective is much beyond the superficial concept of the conventional cleanliness. Therefore, in this juncture and for the sake of academic paper, this article will apply Qur’anic approach in demonstrating the importance of cleanliness in Islamic perspective and the scope of this article is restricted on the importance of cleanliness in Islam, Quranic worldview on cleanliness, then the finding will demonstrate how much importance Islam and the Qur’an give to cleanliness; and the result will provide raison d’etre and justification of the Qur’an as a seal of revelation of God. Finally, the paper will suggest some recommendations that if well implemented, will make our world and surrounding better place to live.
Key words: Healthcare, Integration, Quran, science, Cleanliness, Sunnah al- Nabawiyyah
I. INTRODUCTION
Islamic religion is always focusing on the well-being of the individual and society. To be a good Muslim means to be careful about one’s health. Islam is considered to provide proper guidance for the individual in reaching the best level of mental and personal health through worship and faith; as such, cleanliness or purification is one of the great privileges of